Climate Patterns of Asia Affected by Soot-on-Snow on Tibetan Plateau

Richland, Washington – In some cases, soot – the fine, black carbon silt that is released from stoves, cars and manufacturing plants – can pack more of a climatic punch than greenhouse gases, according to a paper published March 2 in the journal, ‘Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics’.

Researchers at the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), the University of Michiganand NOAA found that soot landing on snow on the massive Tibetan Plateau can do more to alter snowmelt and monsoon weather patterns in Asia than carbon dioxide and soot in the air.